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Texas OL Kelvin Banks Jr. Makes History After Winning 2024 Outland Trophy Award

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Griffin Conant | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 1:00 PM ET

The Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top interior lineman on both sides of the ball, is the third-oldest major college football award.

Last season, Texas defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat claimed the honor after finishing the 2023 season with 46 tackles, two sacks, and even a defensive touchdown. The Longhorns' big man up front was selected by the Tennessee Titans during the 2nd round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Now, a year later, another Longhorn has earned the distinction of having his name etched on one of college football’s most prestigious trophies. Kelvin Banks Jr., the standout offensive lineman and anchor of the Texas front, was named the winner of the prestigious Outland Trophy on Thursday night. In addition to winning the Outland, Banks Jr. was also named as this season's Lombardi Trophy winner.

Not only is Kelvin Banks Jr. the second consecutive Longhorn to win the Outland Trophy, but his victory also marks the first time in over 40 years that a program has had back-to-back winners. The last team to achieve this was Nebraska, who claimed the honor three years in a row from 1981 to 1983.

Starting in ten games during the 2024 season, the 6'4", 320-pound left tackle allowed zero sacks, zero QB hits, and only a single pressure during 167 pass-block snaps. Clearly, he will be someone that Texas leans on during the College Football Playoff.

As it stands, Banks Jr. is projected by many to be a top-five draft prospect and should be a sure-fire first-round draft pick in next year's NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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